A recent report from KPMG highlighting Inverclyde Council's financial challenges should serve as a wake-up call to the SNP Government in Holyrood.

With a looming £7.2 million shortfall expected between 2025 and 2027, even after a significant 7 per cent increase in council tax, it's clear that local councils are facing an uphill battle to provide services. 

For many years the SNP government have disproportionately cut local authority funding.

READ MORE: Inverclyde Council 'facing £7m shortfall' says audit - even with big council tax hike

Now, despite the Scottish Government receiving an additional £3.4 billion from the Chancellor's budget last week for next year and £1.5bn for this year, there is little indication of a change of policy and a prioritisation for funding  of local services   

With Labour delivering extra budget cash, it is evident that the SNP now has the financial resources to provide extra funding to councils like Inverclyde.

The people of Inverclyde deserve a fair share of the cake to fund schools, care for the elderly, and combat rising poverty rates.

Currently, almost one in four children in Inverclyde lives in poverty, and more than 20 per cent of adults earn less than the living wage. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent families facing daily hardships that can no longer be ignored.

Katy Clark MSP says the SNP has been under-funding Scotland's councils for years.Labour MSP Katy Clark says the SNP has been under-funding Scotland's councils for years. (Image: Contributed) While Inverclyde has been proactive in its investment initiatives,  the long-term population decline and increasing cost of living pressures require a strong commitment from the government to ensure sustainable support for local services.

The recent audit report indicates that the average cost of providing care and education is rising steeply, yet the financial support from the SNP does not match these growing demands.

Inverclyde Council is doing its best to improve local services, but the reality is that they cannot do this in isolation.

READ MORE: Greenock's £20m share of Scottish 'towns funding' is officially confirmed

The Scottish government has the means to ensure that local councils are get a real terms increase in funding, and it is their responsibility to step up. Our communities are calling for action, and it’s time to deliver the services that our people need.

The message is clear: we need our local councils to be properly funded, not just for today but for a sustainable future.

With the right support, we can turn the tide for Inverclyde and create an environment where everyone can thrive.